LGBT rights docudrama When We Rise set to debut February 27 on ABC

Dustin Lance Black’s new 8-part gay rights history docudrama for ABC will begin broadcasting in late February with the first two-hour premiere episode directed by Gus Van Sant.

When We Rise follows the story of a family of individuals who helped the LGBT rights movement starting from the Stonewall Inn riots of 1969. The project has been Black’s near sole-focus for the last three years, researching and writing the real-life inspired characters who not only witnessed but fought for our freedoms.

Black said at the Television Critics Association panel on When We Rise, “loud and clear, I want to say this show is under attack from the alt-right. But this show is not a war. We are not against anyone.”

Now more than ever, a series like When We Rise may shine a light on rights still not secured, and the very real possibility that soon basic freedoms will be lost.

As it stands, ABC has has to reschedule some of When We Rise. Originally the series was set to run over four consecutive nights from Monday, February 27 in the 9–11pm time slot. However some minor reality tv star will be addressing Congress on February 28 in the same time slot, forcing ABC to resume the series on Wednesday.

The series includes a star-studded cast of out actors and prominent allies, people who’s not been strangers to playing LGBT roles, including Mary-Louise Parker, Rachel Griffiths, Charlie Carver, Whoopi Goldberg, Rosie O’Donnell, Guy Pearce, Michael K. Williams and David Hyde Pierce.

https://youtu.be/UwvgMNE9ozg

ABC which is owned by Disney, has in recent years include LGBT people & characters among their stable of family entertainment, including making sure The Real O’Neals despite efforts by the far-right Christian conservatives to censor the show.

Black recalled at the TCA panel how 4 years ago when he heard ABC was shopping for LGBT content, he jumped at the chance to follow up on his work writing Milk.

“I’m grateful for ABC’s courage, and everyone on stage who helped make this…I do think it’s a necessary conversation to have right now, about what it’s like to be a minority in this world and how important it is to work together for equality.”

Returning to work with Black, Gus Van Sant not only directed the first two-hour episode, but worked as an executive producer for the show. Black himself took the helm on directing 2 episodes.